What self-care practices help when a situationship is stressful?

How to declutter your life when dating feels messy:

First, take a break to reconnect with yourself. Next, identify exactly what is causing stress in your situationship. Finally, set clear boundaries around your time and emotions.

When you find yourself tangled in a situationship, life can feel overcrowded with uncertainty, anxiety, and confusion. The “what are we?” conversations go unresolved and plans are vague. You’re left constantly guessing where you stand. If your mind is constantly spinning with overanalysis, it may be time to declutter not just your contact list but your entire approach to situationships.

Start by pulling back and tuning into your own needs. In the blurry space of a situationship, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s healthy for you. This means making space in your life — both physically and mentally — for things that support your sense of self. Scale back on things that don’t serve you: endless texting, doomscrolling through their social media, or rearranging your schedule on short notice for someone who is not fully committing. These habits crowd your mind and block personal growth.

Next, identify emotional clutter. Are you holding on to hope that things will change if you just work harder? Do you feel guilty for wanting more or for wanting to walk away? This is mental baggage. Write down your feelings to see them objectively. This simple step helps you spot patterns and empowers you to reclaim your narrative.

Setting boundaries is another crucial step. If your situationship brings you more stress than joy, consider how much space you want it to occupy in your life. Decide when and how you interact. You don’t have to respond immediately if you’re feeling overwhelmed, nor must you say “yes” to every last-minute invite. Protecting your personal time isn’t selfish—it’s essential self-care.

Rediscover the routines and friends that bring you peace. Schedule regular activities outside your situationship: hobbies, exercise, catch-ups with people who energize you. When your life feels full and meaningful, the chaos from a situationship loses power over you.

Decluttering also means letting go of unnecessary comparisons. Social media feeds brimming with “perfect” couples aren’t the full story. Focus on your unique needs and happiness, not on how things appear to others.

And remember, you don’t have to process the whirlwind of situationships alone. Tools like notBf have emerged specifically for young women navigating modern dating. While not an ad, it’s worth noting that notBf is a hyper-personalised AI companion that helps you work through dating uncertainties, offering tailored insights to help you gain clarity and confidence. Having support at your fingertips can make all the difference as you clear away the clutter and refocus on what matters most: your own well-being.